Black water
The ribbon has finally been cut on the new toilet and shower
facilities at the marina. The portacabins we used over the winter during the
work were OK. They were warm enough (when the heater was not turned off), big
enough (just) and frankly they were better than nothing. The new building
however is positively luxurious. We have underfloor heating, adjustable
showers, hairdryers and lots of space. There are also things like
heating control, motion sensitive lighting and water saving flushes; all of
which are good news for saving energy and water.
Marinas
provide facilities not only to make sailors lives more pleasant but also to
protect the environment. By providing nice, clean and convenient conveniences
people are far more likely to use them than to release the raw sewage into the
water. This reduces the potential harm to the environment, other water users
and/ or the shellfish which are waiting to become someone’s sea-food supper.
The green-blue is a programme run jointly by the RYA and the
British Marine Federation. It was set up to help water users preserve and
protect the water environment. As well as providing information and advice to
clubs and marinas it also gives practical advice to boat users and does a lot
of research into environmental issues. They have done a lot of work promoting
sustainable development and generally raising awareness of the issues of
contamination, pollution and looking after the water.
In many European countries boats have to be fitted with holding tanks to collect waste which is then pumped out at special facilities. InBritain
it is not a requirement in older boats, although it is recommended. All new boats
built since 1996 have to have holding tanks. We do have a separating/composting
toilet on Tarquilla but it is more suited to anchoring. Once alongside we use
the marina facilities (when we can). We don't have a washing machine or shower on board which reduces our grey water. Our kitchen sink does however, drain
straight into the water and it certainly forces you to consider what goes down
it.
Toilet facilities and black water are big issues for
sailors. Living on the water gives you a connection which makes it hard to not
want to look after the world you are in. Knowing that the waste being released
from your home is going straight into the water you are living in makes you
think. When water is locked (behind lock gates – St Malo, Bristol or St Nazaire
for example), trapped by a sill (Carteret) or there is very little tide
(nowhere we have been yet!) boats using sea toilets can be a real problem. The
introduction of holding tanks in all vessels and the rise in use of composting
or separating toilets is making a difference to the health of our oceans. The building of good facilities in marinas is also part of this vital work improving the water for everyone who uses it.
In many European countries boats have to be fitted with holding tanks to collect waste which is then pumped out at special facilities. In
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